Revista de Políticas Públicas (Jan 2016)
A LUTA PELA UNIVERSALIDADE DA SAÚDE
Abstract
The paper analyzes the obstacles currently placed for the implementation of a universal and equitable health system and characterizes social movements that stand before these barriers. Departing from the constitutional definition of the right to health in 1988 identifies two issues not fully equated by the very design of the Unified Health System/SUS: decentralization and universalization without securing additional resources. Some issues have distorted the SUS in its implementation: underfunding, the reform of the state, pressures towards the social movements and the convergence of agendas with the World Bank. Concludes that the current threats to the right of health depart come from the consolidation of big business in health, privatism and ideological inflection of some dominated classes to the capital project. Three lines are identified in the current struggle for the right to health: a flexible health reform, mass democracy and the need for social revolution.